The IRS announced that they will be extending the 2018 due date for employers and providers to distribute 2017 individual health coverage forms. The original due date for insurers, applicable employers and other such coverage providers to issue these forms was Jan. 31, 2018. However, the IRS has now given a 30-day extension, making March 2, 2018,the new due date to provide Forms 1095-B or 1095-C to individuals.

Note: This newly announced extension is automatic, meaning employers and providers do not have to file a request. Also, this extension only covers the issuance of health coverage forms 1095-B and/or 1095-C that are due to employees and/or recipients. The due dates for filing 2017 information returns with the IRS—forms 1094-B and 1094-C—still remain the same: Feb. 28 for paper filing, and April 2 for e-filing.

This extension may result in some individuals wanting to file their 2017 individual income tax returns before they receive their 1095-B or 1095-C forms. That’s OK—the 1095 forms are not required for filing these returns. While the information on these forms can be helpful, taxpayers may still prepare and file returns by using supplemental information regarding their health coverage rather than waiting for Forms 1095-B or 1095-C to arrive before filing.

If you have questions or would like assistance with 1095 form filing and distribution, contact your Eide Bailly professional or a member of our ACA team for more information.